Chris Iannetta | Catcher

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Chris Iannetta went 2-for-2 with a two-run home run in Monday's Cactus League game versus the Rangers.

Iannetta took Lisalverto Bonilla deep for his first spring homer in what turned out to be a four-run fourth inning. The catcher is now batting .333 (5-for-15). His career-high in games started is 115 and manager Mike Scioscia said in February he could have him match or exceed that mark this season with Hank Conger now out of the picture. Mar 16 - 7:24 PM

With Hank Conger traded to the Astros over the winter, the door is open for Iannetta to seize a major opportunity. The 31-year-old backstop hasn't had more than 399 plate appearances in each of the past two seasons, but could push that number closer to 500 this year. If that's the case, expect close to 20 home runs and a tidy profit in the late rounds of fantasy drafts. Feb 20 - 6:44 PM

MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez reports that the Angels would be open to discussing an extension with Chris Iannetta.

However, those talks likely wouldn't take place until after Opening Day. Iannetta will make $5.53 million in 2015 and is currently slated to hit free agency next winter. The 31-year-old backstop has batted .238/.357/.386 with 27 homers over the last three seasons for the Angels. Jan 27 - 8:13 PM

Chris Iannetta pinch hit and lifted a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning, which allowed the Angels to eke out a win against the Twins on Thursday.

Tony Campana, pinch-running for David Freese, stood on third base after a lead-off double and a sacrifice bunt. Iannetta pinch-hit for Hank Conger against lefty Glen Perkins and was able to break the 4-4 tie with a sacrifice fly to left field. Campana scored just ahead of Aaron Hicks' throw home. Iannetta has been a consistent contributor for the Halos, sporting a .260/.374/.423 slash line with seven home runs and 40 RBI in 321 plate appearances. Thu, Sep 4, 2014 11:30:00 PM

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that Major League Baseball is expected to make a decision regarding Josh Hamilton's situation prior to Opening Day.

Heyman notes that "a suspension of some length" is expected following Hamilton's relapse, but "it isn't known what the resolution will be." The feeling is that it could potentially range from 25 games to a full season, although the MLBPA is arguing for only a 15-game ban. Hamilton is already slated to miss the beginning of the season while recovering from surgery in early February to repair the AC joint in his right shoulder.

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports that it "seems doubtful" Garrett Richards (knee) will be ready on April 14 when the Angels first need a fifth starter.

Richards was thrilled with how he felt during an appearance in a minor league game Saturday, but the Angels are understandably proceeding very cautiously with the young right-hander. DiGiovanna expects Richards to be ready "soon after" April 14. The Halos will go with four starters early on, with Andrew Heaney or Nick Tropeano looking likely to get the ball on April 14.

Cory Rasmus will undergo surgery to repair a core muscle and is expected to be sidelined 6-8 weeks.

Rasmus, who was one of the most consistent relievers for the Angels in 2014, was expected to work in a middle relief role. His injury opens up a bullpen spot that the Angels must now scramble to fill from the remaining options in camp. Matt Lindstrom would seem to be one obvious beneficiary.